I-26 East to close Tuesday at 5 a.m. in advance of lane reversal

by ABC News 4

I-26 traffic (File, WCIV)

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) —

Clarification: We have updated this story to reflect that I-526 will not be closed, according to James Law, with S.C. Department of Transportation. Drivers will not be able to access I-26 Eastbound from I-526 tomorrow morning.

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Motorists are asked not to get on I-26 East heading into Charleston at all on Tuesday in anticipation for the noon lane reversal away from the coast due to Hurricane Florence.

"If you find yourself on I-526 tomorrow, you won't have any access besides I-26 Westbound," Manley said at a press conference Monday. "Tomorrow morning's commute eastbound to Charleston will be non-existent."

The closest exit once on I-26 in the reversed lanes will be exit 187 in Ridgeville, Manley said.

Local traffic will be monitored and in the event interstate traffic gets heavy, officials will start other diversions, Manley said.

"If there is a minor collision with no injures, move vehicles off interstate to nearest ramp," Manley said.

Christy Hall, state secretary of transportation with SCDOT, said at a press conference Monday with Gov. Henry McMaster, that there will be 3,000 employees ready to deploy into coastal areas to help move evacuation traffic.

"We are in process of moving 35 crews to coastal areas to respond in support of the governor's evacuation's order," Hall said.

All rest areas and welcome centers will be open 24 hours, Hall said.

The tolls for the Hilton Head bridge will also be suspended, Hall said.